Chael Sonnen-Vitor Belfort Now Expected For UFC 175

According to a report out of Brazil by Combate, Wanderlei Silva has failed to pass his medical exams and will not meet Chael Sonnen this July at UFC 175. The report also stated that Vitor Belfort has been tabbed to step in and meet Sonnen.

The card takes place July 5 from Las Vegas and features a double-championship lineup. Chris Weidman defends his middleweight title against Lyoto Machida – a bout Belfort originally was suppose to have this month – and Ronda Rousey puts her female bantamweight gold on the line vs. Alexis Davis.

Sonnen attended a required meeting with the Nevada Athletic Commission, but Silva did not appear for the hearing and was denied his fight license. Belfort, who was previously not licensed, has performed all the necessary steps set before him by the commission following the banning of TRT earlier this year.

Later tonight, Sonnen will be on “UFC Tonight” in his normal co-host duties with Kenny Florian. We will continu to provide updates on this situation as they are made public.

Just recently, Jon Jones made it known that he would be training with Belfort this week. Jones has previously fought, and defeated both Sonnen and Belfort in successful UFC light heavyweight title defenses.

UPDATE: Twitter source FrontRowBrian confirmed the news, saying that Globo’s report is “10000 true. Vitor v Chael. UFC 175. Las Vegas.” He also stated the bout will take place at light heavyweight, but will be for the middleweight No. 1 contender spot and shot at the Weidman-Machida winner.

Sonnen has twice fought for the UFC 185-pound title, falling on both instances to Anderson Silva. He also fought for the light heavyweight belt previously in the UFC.

More proof Wanderlie had no plans of fighting: Nevada State Athletic Commission Chairman Francisco Aguilar told MMAWeekly.com that Silva never submitted an application to get licensed in Nevada, while Belfort did.